A week on Hontoon Island was a chance to get close to nature — very close — and I didn’t waste it. Some say that living on a boat is living in nature, and that is true to some extent. But you can still miss a lot, especially with a motor running. In my last day on the island, I had – and took — the time to look closely. Looking closely usually takes patience, sometimes silence, and often solitude. Here are my last photos from the island, and a nod to two special people who told Jeff about this special place years ago. (Please indulge my photos of the heron; it was too hard to choose just one!)
Cypress knees on the shore of Hontoon Dead River.
This guy let me get real close in my borrowed inflatable kayak.
More alligators. We’re used to seeing them by now.I coasted quietly and slowly to this heron and it never budged. I spent at least 30 minutes floating nearby.I hiked to the opposite side of the 1,600-acre island at sunset. Along the way, I startled an armadillo and a small black snack with white stripes startled me. (I didn’t get pictures, since the armadillo bolted from me and I bolted from the snake! It was small but likely poisonous. I didn’t investigate to find out!)Hontoon Island State Park is a favorite spot for owners of C-Dory’s (a compact and trailer-able boat) and is supported by them. Hank and Pat Clow, Jeff’s good friends in Aura, Mich., are two of them. Hank died a few years ago and is honored by this plaque. Pat remains a good friend and is following this blog. (Hi, Pat!)
Jeff and I will both miss this place…but, onward! (He left the name tag behind. 😉 )
For Many Moons 
The heron photos are just gorgeous!
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Mary, your photo’s are incredible, hard to believe they are from a cell phone. You certainly live a busy and exciting life……Walt Brater
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Hopefully not too busy, since one of my goals is to avoid that “I’m SO busy!” trap. 😉
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